Tackless roller shade assembly



June 29, 1943. w. M. HICKS TA CKLESS ROLLER SHADE ASSEMBLY Filed June20, 1941 ATTORW Patented June 29, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 14Claims.

The present invention relates to a tackless roller shade assembly,having properties which adapt it especially for shade web replacementsupon original or used shade rollers. This application is an improvementon my pending application'entitled Replacement shade structure whichbears Serial Number 291,123, and filing date of August 21, 1939,patented August 26, 1941, as No. 2,253,519. The instant inventionimproves upon the structure disclosed in the case referred to, and alsoupon the structure disclosed in another of my pending applications filedSeptember 28, 1940, as Serial Number 358,909, patented August 26, 1941,as No. 2,253,520.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide a replaceableor interchangeable shade structure which may be assembled upon anystandard size of spring actuated shad roller, by the mere act ofinserting the roller into the hollow interior of a rolled-up shade web,foregoing the use of any tacks, adhesives, or other fasteners that wouldrequire unrolling of the shade web in efiecting a connection orsubstantial fixation of the web to the roller.

Another object of the invention is the accomplishment of aninstantaneous shade web and roller assembly, with the use of means whichare simple and inexpensive to procure, and which will outlive any shadeweb subjected to normal usage.

Another object is to provide simple and reliable means for maintaining ashade web in fixed relationship to a shade roller, without the use ofany means tending to penetrate the shade material, thus having theadvantage of rendering the shade web reversible end for end withoutexhibiting any penetrating marks or other defacements deleterious to theappearance of the assembled structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tackless roller shadereplacement unit which is so constructed that it effectively withstandsshipping and handling, and may therefore be marketed without liabilityof injury to the product even though protected from soil by means of alight and inexpensive common wrapper.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the means describedherein and disclosed in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is an end perspective view of a rolled shade web, in conditionfor instantaneous reception of a shade roller.

Fig. 2 is an end perspective View of a shade roller prepared forinsertion into the hollow interior of the rolled shade web of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a formed element, constructed as a splittube, which constitutes a necessary element of the invention.

Fig. 4 is ,a fragmentary perspective View of a double split tube orformed element, which constitutes a modification applicable to theinvention.

Fig. 5 is an end view somewhat similar to Fig. 4, showing a furthermodification of a double split tube assembly.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged end view showing the parts of Figs. 1 and 2assembled, with the shade Web unwound and in a pendent condition.

The roller shade assembly of the instant invention distinguishes frompreviously known structures principally in that expansive means areprovided and cooperate in such a manner as to establish a fixednon-slipping action between the .hem provided on the shade web, and theroller which is to mount the shade web. The structure herein disclosedis believed to be the only known structure wherein a replacement shadeweb may be securely mounted upon a shade roller by the mere insertion ofthe roller into the replacement shade assembly, the mounting beingperformed without unrolling the shade web and without the extra work ofapplying tacks or an adhesive for ensuring a fixed relationship of theparts preparatory to use. Inany event,the elements of the combinationare the simplest, least expensive, and quickest in assembly yet devised.

With reference to the accompanying drawing, the character 1 indicatesany standard shade roller having a fixed pintle 8 at one of its ends,and preferably a flattened rotatable winding key 9 at its opposite end,the element 9 preferably being associated with an internal spring andsuitable ratchet means of the general character disclosed in the CollinsPatent N 0. 1,949,356, granted February 27, 1934. The ends of the rollerusually are furnished with metal caps as indicated at III and I2.Rollers of the type illustrated by Fig, 2 will be found available inseveral different diameter sizes ranging from a small size slightly lessthan one inch in diameter, to a larger size slightly in excess of a oneinch diameter. Any of these approximately equal siZe rollers may be usedto mount a shade web, with the use of the means herein disclosed.

It will be noted that the shade roller of Fig. 2 has wound around it intwo locations, the rubber bands l3 and I4. These rubber hands ifdesired, may be ordinary rubber bands such as are used commercially inofiices and in the home, or if preferred, they may be made of specialsizes so as to encircle the roller but once. As shown herein, the rubberbands I3 and I4 are ordinary commercial bands wrapped several timesabout the roller. It will be noted thatthe band I4 is shown applied nearthe middle of the length of the roller whereas the band It is appliednear one end thereof. The reason for this will appear later in thedescription.

With reference now to Fig. l the character I5 indicates a shade webwhich may be of any suitable material such as fabric or paper, and thisweb has its outer terminal end turned upon itself, preferably about areinforcement slat or element I6, to furnish a hem I9 at the end of theweb. The free end of the web may be tucked under as indicated at I1, andsecured so as to close the hem permanently, the securement beingeffective by means of any proper expedient such as an adhesive, clips,or stitching. For convenience of illustration, the hem is maintained bymeans of a row of stitching indicated at I8.

A similar hem of the same proportions as that indicated at I9, isfurnished by the opposite end of the web, this hem being indicated at 20in the illustration Fig. 6. Like the hem I9, the hem 20 has its terminaledge 2| turned upon itself and stitched as at 22 in order to maintain adefinite hem size. The hem 20 normally will be located interiorly of thewound up web, as suggested in Fig. 1.

By preference, though not of necessity, both hems I9 and 20 are madeequal in size and dimensions, so that either may receive a shade roller,or alternatively a reinforcement element or slat such as I6. By soforming the hems of equal size, the shade web may be renderedreversible, in order that it may be suspended from one end or the otherto dispose a soiled or worn portion amongst the convolutions thereofwhere it ordi- I narily will not be exposed to view.

With further reference to Fig. l, the character 23 indicates a formedelement which fits rather snugly within the hem 20 of the shade web, andwhich formed elementmay be in the form. of a split tube. This part isshown in detail by Fig. 3. The split tube should be flexible to someslight degree at least in order that its diameter may change slightly inthe direction of expansion within the hem 20 when the roller with therubber bands thereon .is projected axially through the tube. Examples oftube materials which will perform satisfactorily are cardboard, pressedfiber or paper or various kinds of wood pulp composition material,stiffened fabric and the like. Except for the cost factor involved, ametal split tube would also be found satisfactory and certainlyoperative.

The bands I3 and I4, which might be of rubber or any other suitablematerial having the characteristics of resiliency and deformation, serveto in effect yieldingly increase the diameter of the roller to theextent of somewhat resisting insertion of the roller into the splittube. When the roller is projected into the tube the tube will be foundexpanded with a yielding force, within the confines of the hem 28. Thisyielding expansion will serve to prevent slippage of the tube within thehem, and also slippage of the roller within the. tube. the resilientbands about the roller, followed by forcing the roller lengthwisethrough the split tube, there will be accomplished an instantaneous andsecure mounting of a shade upon the roller. If the roller be of one ofthe smaller sizes, heavier Thus, by the simple expedient of placingbands I3 and I I may be employed to ensure the necessary frictional gripor expansion to frictionally maintain a state of fixation between theweb, the split tube, and the roller. Thinner or smaller bands may beapplied to a roller if the latter be of one of the larger standardsizes. In either case, the desired fixation of parts will be realized.

In advancing th roller through the tube, the bands I3 and I4 may advancealong the roller toward the cap I2 and assume different positionsthereon. Depending upon the friction generated in so advancing theroller, the bands may or may not disintegrate, but in either case thedesired frictional connection will result.

In Fig. 6, the circles at I3 indicate a plurality of thicknesses ofrubber bands, such as would result from several wrappings of rubber bandabout the roller for suificiently expanding the split tube or formedelements 23 within the hem 20. The character 24 indicates the pendentportion of the shade web, and as previously suggested herein, theextreme lower end thereof may be furnished with another hem similar tothat at 2!], to correspond with the hem I9 of Fig. 1. When the hems aremade equal in size, either may be associated with a split tube and aroller as heretofore explained.

It may here be mentioned that the split tube 23 need not be of verythick material in order to secure the desired results. A tube materialapproximating in thickness the gauge of suit-box cardboard will performquite satisfactorily, as will also a tube fabricated from a material asheavy as mailing tube cardboard. As a matter of fact, the thickness ofthe material used in forming the split tube 23 is a matter of relativeimmateriality, and may therefore be selected within reasonable limits.

The illustration of Fig. 4 shows a pair of split tubes I30 and 230, oneplaced within the other in frictional contact, for the purpose of takingup any excessive differences between the hem diameter and the rollerdiameter, over and above a difference which the rubber bands might notbe capable of compensatin for. A roller such as I when forced throughthe duplex tube arrangement of Fig. 4, will be capable of expanding thetubes sufficiently to effect the desired frictional contact andexpansion necessary for joining the shade hem, the tubes and the rollerin fixed operative relationship to one another.

In the modification of Fig. 5, the split tubes I30 and 230 are relatedto one another in the same manner as is suggested by Fig. 4, but areshow-n separated by a resilient band 26 for further increasingfrictional contact between the tubes. The modified structure of Fig. 5will receive a roller such as I, in the same manner as was explained indescribing the assemblies of Figs. 4 and 1. In the modifications ofFigs. 4 and 5, the splits of the tubes could just as well be registeredwith one another rather than placed in opposing relationship as shown.

Referring to Fig. 6, it will be noted that the opposed edges 21 and 28located at the split which runs longitudinally of the tube, willpreferably be spaced apart sufficiently so as to receive between themthe seam and the stitching 22 of the hem. While such spacing of theedges 21 and 28 is not an absolute necessity, it will be found desirableas a simple means of forming a longitudinal pocket in which the severalthicknesses of web material'may be accommodated, in order to avoid anytendency toward the formation of a bulge or ridge running longitudinallyof the shade when it is rolled up and wound upon the roller. It isdesirable to avoid such bulges or ridges whenever possible, in order toprevent marking the shade transversely of its length.

The device of this invention is capable of various modifications, forexample, the resilient expander l3 may be of material other than'rubber,or the hems may be formed differently than in accordance with theexample illustrated. There is also the possibility of using a resilientring in place of a common rubber band, as suggested in my said copendingapplication, Serial No. 291,123, and finally the split tube 23 may be ofany length less than the length of the roller, or it may be made in twoor more sections of equal or unequal length, placed end to end upon theroller and about the expanders l3-|4; I This and other modifications andchanges in the structural details may be made, within the scope of theappended claims, without departing from the spirit of invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a structure of the class described, the combination whichcomprises a shade roller and a shade web, said web having at an endthereof a hem larger than the roller diameter, an expansible tube splitlongitudinally of its axis and dimensioned to enter the hem whileembracing the roller within it, and resilient means acting upon theexpansible tube to maintain it in nonslipping frictional contact withthe roller and the hem.

2. In a structure of the class described, the combination whichcomprises a shade roller and a shade web hem adapted to receive theroller, and expansible means operative upon axial movement of the rollerthrough the hem, to frictionally maintain a substantially non-slippingrelationship of the roller to the hem.

3. In a structure of the class described, the combination whichcomprises a shade roller and a shade web hem adapted to receive theroller, and expansible means operative upon axial movement of the rollerthrough the hem, to establish and maintain a substantially non-slippingrelationship of the roller to the hem.

4. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a shaderoller and expander means thereabout, an expansible tube splitlongitudinally of its axis adapted to receive the roller and expandertherein, and a shade web having an end provided with a hem to receivethe split tube, the roller and the expander means together being of anoverall diameter slightly i excess of the inside diameter of the tubewhen the tube is surrounded by the hem, therebycausing the roller withthe expanding means thereon to expand the tube tightly within the hemupon merely projecting the roller and expander means axially through thesplit tube while the latter is confined within the shade hem.

5. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a shaderoller and expander means thereabout, an expansible tube splitlongitudinally of its axis adapted to receive the roller and expandertherein, and a shade web having an end turned upon itself and seamed toprovide a hem to receive the split tube, the roller and the expandermeans together being of an overall diameter slightly in excess of theinside diameter of the tube when the tube is surrounded by the hem,thereby causing the roller with the expanding means thereon to expandthe tube tightly within the hem upon merely projecting the roller andexpander means axially through the split tube while the latter isconfined within the shade hem, the split of the tube being separatedsufiicientlyto accommodate the hem seam.

6. In a structure of the class described, the combination whichcomprises a shade roller and a shade web, said web having at an endthereof a hem larger than the roller diameter, an expansible tube splitlongitudinally of its axis and dimensioned to enter the hem whileembracing the roller within it, and resilient means acting upon theexpansible tube to maintainit in nonslipping frictional engagement withthe roller and the hem, said longitudinal split of the tube being ofsuflicient width to accommodate therein a seam of the web. I

7'. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a shadeweb including a terminal end turned upon itself and seamed to form ahem, an expansible split tube of substantially cylindrical formationlocated within the hem and maintaining the latter in a distendedcondition, a cylindrical shade roller, and at least one resilient bandwrapped about the roller, with the roller and its band inserted into thesplit tube in expanding relationship to the tube, for effecting asubstantial fixation between the roller, the split tube, and the hem.

8. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a shade webincluding a terminal end turned upon itself and seamed to form a hem, anexpansible split tube of substantially cylindrical formation locatedwithin the hem and maintaining the latter in a distended condition, acylindrical shade roller, and at least one resilient band wrapped aboutthe roller, with the roller and its band inserted into the split tube inexpanding relationship to the tube, for effecting a substantial fixationbetween the roller, the split tube, and the hem, the split of the tubebeing sufficiently wide to furnish a trough for receiving the seamaforesaid.

9. A replacement shade assembly for mounting upon a shade roller, saidassembly comprising a rolled shade web having a hem at one of its ends,and an expansible tube of substantially cylindrical formation locatedwithin the hem as a mandrel to resist crushing of the rolled web, saidtube being split longitudinally of its axis, the material of the tubebeing sufficiently stiff to maintain a distended condition of the hem.

10. A replacement shade assembly for mounting upon a shade roller, saidassembly comprising a rolled shade web having a hem at one of its ends,and an expansible tube of substantially cylindrical formation locatedwithin the hem as a mandrel to resist crushing of the rolled web, saidtube being split longitudinally of its axis, the material of the tubebeing sufiiciently stiff to maintain a distended condition of the hem,and the split of the tube being sufficiently wide to accommodate a hemseam.

11. A replacement shade assembly for mounting upon a shade roller, saidassembly comprising 3 rolled shade Web having a hem at one of its ends,and an expansible tube of substantially cylindrical formation locatedwithin the hem as a mandrel to resist crushing of the rolled web, saidtube being split longitudinally of its axis, the material of the tubebeing sufficiently stiff to maintain a distended condition of the hem,and a second split tube located within the first split tube, andresilient means disposed between said tubes tending to expand the firsttube and con- ;tract the second tube.

12. A replacement shade assembly for mounting upon a rubber banded shaderoller, said assembly comprising a shade web having a hem on .a-t,-leastone of its ends, and an expansible split tube of substantiallycylindrical formation locatzed within the hem to maintain a distendedcondition of the hem and to apply pressure to the inside of the hem uponadvancement of such banded shade roller through the tube axially locatedWithin the first split tube, said second tube being flexible to exert anexpanding force upon the first tube when the second tube is ex panded bya snugly fitting shade roller inserted longitudinally into said secondtube.

14. A replacement shade assembly for mounting upon a shade roller, saidassembly comprising a rolled shade web having a hem on at least one ofits ends, and an expansible tube of substantially cylindrical formationlocated within the hem as a mandrel to resist crushing of the rolledweb, said tube being split longitudinally of its axis, the material ofthe tube being sufficiently stiif to maintain a distended condition ofthe hem surrounding said tube, and a second split tube located withinthe first split tube, with the splits of the tubes out of registry onewith the other, said second tube being flexible to exert an expandingforce upon the first tube upon entry of a snugly fitting shade rollerlongitudinally into said second tube.

WILLIAM MORSE HICKS.

